Pre-Screening for Explosives Residues in Soil Prior to HPLC Analysis Utilizing Expray

Abstract : The characterization of Department of Defense (DoD) training lands for explosives residues involves sampling and analyzing soil samples collected at firing points and impact areas. Laboratory instruments used for this analysis are susceptible to accumulating high concentrations of these compounds, thus possibly requiring reanalyzing. By using the Expray Explosives Detection Kit to determine the approximate concentration of explosives compounds prior to analysis, soil extracts can be diluted to a concentration that will not interfere with analysis results. This report describes the method used to develop the visual index for concentration determination of explosives in soil extracts, and also the use of the Expray Kit.